Devan (actor)

Devan (actor)
Devan Sreenivasan (born September 9 ), known mononymously as Devan, is an Indian actor, producer, and politician. He is known for his character roles in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and few in Kannada and Hindi films. He has starred in over 380 films. After many second hero and supporting actor roles, he made his breakthrough in the 1987 film New Delhi.
He later advanced to a lead actor with films like Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam (1987), Oozham (1988), Simon Peter Ninakku Vendi (1988) and Aranyakam (1988). His well-known movies such as Vietnam Colony (1992), Ekalavyan (1993), Honest Raj (1994), Baashha (1995) and Indraprasdham (1996). He is also known as 'Devji' or 'The Immortal Devji' among his fans for his young physical appearance in films for decades.
Early life
Devan was born on 9 September1952 in Thrissur, India. His father, Sreenivasan, was a public prosecutor and his mother, Lalitha, was a doctor. He has three siblings, Shobha, Sheela and Sureshbabu. His family has a Kalaripayattu lineage. Malayalam filmmaker Ramu Kariat was his uncle. Devan completed his schooling at Government Model Higher Secondary School, Thrissur. He took bachelor's degree from St. Thomas College, Thrissur, during his college time he was a member of Kerala Students Union (KSU); his parents were Indian National Congress-leaning. His father wanted him to be a police officer, but he wanted to be in army. After graduation, he tried at the National Defence Academy, but was not selected. He went to Madras (now Chennai) in search of a job and later took post-graduation in Master of Business Administration.
Career
During his time in college, he used to read books a lot. He found possibility for a film in N. N. Pisharody's novel Vellam, he approached director Hariharan, who agreed with him, M. T. Vasudevan Nair wrote the screenplay, it was the first and last screenplay of his not based on his own story. Devan produced the film, filming was halted midway due to financial crisis. He made his acting debut in Ashatapathi to raise fund to resume filming, it was followed by a number of acting projects. After which, shooting resumed, but upon release, the film failed at the box office. In an interview, he said that Vellam (1985) is the best film come out from Hariharan-M. T. Vasudevan Nair combination. It was in the 1987 film New Delhi that he first appeared as a villain, since then he was typecast as a villain in Malayalam cinema. However, in Telugu cinema, he is known for character roles. Devan recalled in an interview that his best roles were in Telugu and Tamil cinema.
He was engaged in several business ventures before starting his career in movies.
Devan started his acting career in supporting roles, after being approached by a producer at Spencer Plaza in Chennai. His most notable movies are Ekalavyan, Baasha and Indraprasdham. He has also acted in several TV series.
Personal life
He was married to his uncle Ramu Kariat's daughter, Suma. The couple has a daughter named Lakshmi. His wife Suma died on 12 July 2019 due to H1N1 infection.
Politics
Devan was an active supporter of Indian National Congress in his college days. Later he became founder and leader of the Kerala People's Party, a political party in the Indian state of Kerala. During the UPA regime he again worked along with the Indian National Congress. In a 2014 interview, Devan said that a politician he admired a lot was Ramakrishna Hegde. In 2021 he merged Kerala People's Party to BJP in the presence of Home Minister of India Amit Shah.
Filmography
Malayalam
1983 – Naadam
1983 – Ashtapadi
1983 – Sairandri
1984 – Aagraham
1984 – Aashamsakalode
1984 – Vellam (Producer)
1984 – Paavam Krooran
1985 – Jwalanam
1985 – Shatru as Rajasekharan
1985 – Kiraatham as Artist
1985 – Kaiyum Thalayum Purathidaruthu
1985 – Madhuvidhu Theerum Mumpe
1986 – Oru Yuga Sandhya as Balachandran
1986 – Padayani
1986 – Niramulla Raavukal as Soman
1986 – Panchagni
1986 – Vartha
1986 – Ithu Oru Thudakkam Mathram
1987 – Adimakal Udamakal as Vijayan
1987 – Aadhya Rathrikku Munbu
1987 – Vrutham as Devadas
1987 – Amritamgamaya
1987 – Manivathoorile Aayiram Sivarathrikal
1987 – Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam
1987 – Chanthayil Choodi Nilkkunna Pennu
1987 – Naalkkavala
1987 – New Delhi
1988 – Ormayil Ennum as Suku
1988 – Innalayude Bhakki
1988 – Mattoru Pranaya Kadha
1988 – Simon Peter Ninakku Vendi as Simon Peter
1988 – Vida Parayaan Mathrem
1988 – Mrithyunjayam as Issac
1988 – Vaishali
1988 – Oozham
1988 – Athirthikal
1988 – Uyaran Omanikkan
1988 – Mattoru Pranayakatha
1988 – Onninu Purake Mattonnu as Inspector Mohandas
1988 – Oru Vivaada Vishayam
1988 – Aranyakam
1988 – David David Mr.David
1988 – Dhinarathrangal
1988 – Theerthinariyam Thirayude Vedhana (Jwalanam)
1988 – Abkari
1989 – Bhadrachitta as Haridasan
1989 – Jeevitham Oru Raagam
1989 – Adhipan
1989 – Ulsavapittennu
1989 – Ashokante Aswathikuttikku
1989 – Ramji Rao Speaking
1989 – Nair Saab
1989 – Naaduvazhikal
1989 – Jagratha
1989 – Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas
1989 – Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
1989 - Maharajavu
1990 – Iyer The Great
1990 – Brahmmarakshassu
1990 – Marupuram
1990 – Judgement
1990 – Shesham Screenil
1990 – Kelikottu
1990 – Vyooham
1990 – Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu
1990 – Randaam Varavu as DYSP Balu
1990 – Malootty
1991 – Thudarkadha as Ravi Varma
1991 – Kilukkam
1991 – Anaswaram
1992 – Police Dairy
1992 – Malootty
1992 – Poochakkaru Manikettum
1992 – Grihapravesam
1992 – Manthrikacheppu
1992 – Ponnaramthottathe Rajavu
1992 – Kaazhchakkappuram
1992 – Kauravar
1993 – O Faby
1993 – Aalavattam
1993 – Ghoshayaathra as Jamal
1993 – Gaandharvam
1993 – Vietnam Colony
1993 – Ekalavyan
1993 – Yaadhavam
1993 – Jackpot
1994 – Chief Minister K R Gouthami
1994 – Ezhuthachan
1994 – Rudraksham
1994 – Pingami
1994 – Cabinet
1995 – The King
1995 – Sundarimaare Sookshikkuka as Raju
1995 – Hijack as Swami/Ravindra Varma
1995 – Chantha
1995 – Agnidevan
1995 – Nirnnayam
1996 – Mahatma
1996 – Indraprastham
1996 – Dominic Presentation
1996 – Sulthan Hyderali
1996 – Aayiram Naavulla Ananthan
1997 – Janathipathyam
1997 – Poomarathanalil as Narendran
1997 – Ranger
1997 – Gangothri
1997 – Bhoopathi
1997 – Maasmaram
1997 – Kannur
1997 – Snehasindooram
1997 – Sankeerthanam Pole
1997 – Five Star Hospital
1998 – Harthaal
1998 – Sooryaputhran
1998 – Chitrashalabham
1998 – Achamakuttiyude Achayan
1998 – Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu
1999 – Pallavur Devanarayanan
1999 – Captain as John Samuel
1999 – Jananayakan as Sathyapalan
1999 – Niram
1999 – Garshom
2000 – Arayannegalude Veedu
2000 – Millenium Stars
2000 – Indriyam
2000 – Nisheedhini
2000 – India Gate as Vishwanadhan
2000 – Rapid Action Force
2000 – The Judgement
2000 – Sradha
2000 - The Warrant as Mohan Gandhi Raman
2000 – F.I.R
2000 – Priyam
2000 – Summer Palace
2001 – Akaashathile Paravakal as Karunan
2001 – Onnam Raagam
2001 – Nee Enikkayi Mathrem
2001 – Ee Raavil
2001 – Praja
2001 – Sraavu as Captain Napoleon
2001 – Sathyameva Jayathe
2001 – Sahayathrikakku Snehapoorvam
2001 – Goa as Sam Alex
2001 – Achaneyanenikkishtam
2001 – Jwalanam
2002 – Khakhi Nakshatram as George
2002 – Kalachakram
2002 – Kanmashi
2002 – Puthooram Puthri Unniyarcha as Chandu
2002 – Vaanibham
2002 – Niramulla Swapnagal
2002 – Desam as Unni
2002 – Akhila as Balan
2002 – India Gate
2003 – Mr. Brahmachari
2003 – Kanmashi
2004 – Priyam Priyankaram
2004 – Nirappakittu
2004 – Ennittum as Chandu
2004 – Udayam
2005 – December as Issac
2005 – Finger Print
2005 – Bunglavil Outha
2005 – Bus Conductor
2006 – Pathaka as Rajan Nadar
2006 – Highway Police as DSP Somanathan
2006 – Red Salute
2006 – Narakasuran
2006 – Bada Dosth as Minister K.D
2006 – Balram Vs Tara Das
2006 – Vargam (Malayalam)
2006 – Thuruppugulan
2007 – Paranju Theeratha Visheshangal as Ashok
2007 – Novel
2007 – Detective
2007 – Mauryan
2007 - Athishayan
2007 – Nasrani
2007 – 4 July
2008 – Bullet
2008 – Parunthu
2008 – Novel
2008 - Cycle
2009 – My Big Father as Colonel Varghese
2009 – IG
2009 – Gulumal: The Escape as Emir Harish Rahman
2009 – Ivar Vivahitharayal
2009 – The Trigger
2009 – Pathaam Adyaayam
2009 – Banaras as Balakrishnan Nair
2009 – Nizhal
2009 – Pazhassi Raja as Kunnavath nambiar
2009 – Black Dalia as Raveendren
2010 – Yugapurushan
2010 – Koottukar as Krishnan nair
2010 – Nizhal
2010 – 24 Hours as Vikramaditya varma
2010 – Kaanakazchakal
2010 – Nanthuni
2010 – Kasba
2010 – Naale
2010 – Arayan
2010 – Drona
2011 – Avan
2011 – Manushya Mrugam as Kochu pulose
2011 – Film Star as Thamban
2011 – Maanikkyakkallu
2011 – Christian Brothers as Sudhakaran
2011 – Mohabbath as Firoz
2011 – Ithu Nammude Katha
2011 – Janapriyan
2011 – Veeraputhran as Adv. Krishnan
2012 – Yaathrakkoduvil asDavid
2012 – Aakasmikam
2012 – Doctor Innocent Aanu as Dr. James
2012 – Namukku Paarkkan as Isaac
2012 – Yakshi Faithfully Yours as Appan thampuran
2012 – Grand Master as ADGP
2012 – The King and The Commissioner
2012 – Manthrikan
2012 – Simhasanam
2013 – Weeping Boy as Jail superintendent
2013 – Immanuel as
2013 - Aan Piranna Veedu
2013 - Red Rain
2013 - Pakaram
2013 - Manikya Thampurattiyum Christmas Carolum
2013 – Blackberry as Minister Ramachandran
2013 – Breaking News Live
2013 - 3 G
2013 - Last Bus 8:30 PM
2014 - Law Point
2014 – Mannar Mathai Speaking 2
2014 – How Old Are You
2014 - Mammiyude Swantham Achoos
2014 - Vasanthathinte Kanal Vazhikalil
2014 - Dial 1091
2014 - Gamer
2014 - Njangalku Kittiya Yelahanka Posting
2014 - Oru New Generation Pani
2014 - Uthara Chemmeen
2014 - Solar Swapnam
2014 - Avatharam
2014 - Asha Black
2014 - Ettekal Second
2014 – Mr. Fraud
2015 – Wonderful Journey
2015 – Raag Rangeela
2015 – Female Unnikrishnan
2015 - Namasthe Bali Island
2015 - Samrajyam II: Son of Alexander
2015 - Rudrasimhasanam
2015 - Oru New Generation Pani
2015 - Rasam
2015 - Calling Bell
2016 - Plus Or Minus
2015 - Just Married
2015 - Marutha
2015 - Village Guys
2016 - Marupadi
2016 - Dafedar
2016 - Angane Thanne Nethave Anjettanam Pinnale
2016 - Pretham
2016 - Ore Mukham
2017 - 1971 Beyond Borders
2017 - Vishwa Vikhyatharaya Payyanmar
2018 - Marubhoomiyile Mazhathullikal
2018 - Ippozhum Eppozhum Sthuthiyayirikkatte
2018 - Koodasha
2018 - Hello Dubaikkaran
2018 - Aravindante Athidhikal
2018 - Koode
2018 - Pranayatheertham
2019 - Vijay Superum Pournamiyum
2019 - Pattabhiraman
2019 - Ganagandharvan
2019 - 1948 Kaalam Paranjathu
2019 - Mangalath Vasundhara
2019 - Jack and Daniel
2019 - A for Apple
2019 - Oru Caribean Udayip
2019 - Munthiri Monchan: Oru Thavala Paranja Kadha
2020 - Love FM
2020 - Big Brother
2021 -Kshanam
2022-Kalachekon
2022- Mahi
Tamil
1993 – Prathap
1994 – Jai Hind
1994 – Captain
1994 – Honest Raj
1995 – Baashha
1995 – Nandhavana Theru
1995 – Ragasiya Police
1997 – Mannava
1997 – Ullaasam
1997 – Thadayam
1997 - Veerapandi Kottayiley
1997 - My India
1998 – Iniyavale
1999 – En Swasa Kaatre
1999 - Siragugal (Sun TV telefilm)
1999 – Rajasthan
1999 – Periyanna
1999 – Nenjinile
1999 – Manam Virumbuthe Unnai
1999 – Time
2000 – Vaanathaippola
2000 – Ennamma Kannu
2000 – Vaanavil
2001 – Rishi
2001 – Citizen
2001 – Shahjahan
2002 – Maaran
2002 – Punnagai Desam
2002 – Raja
2002 – Roja Kootam
2002 – April Maadhathil
2003 - Aahaa Ethanai Azhagu
2003 – Thithikudhe
2003 – Indru
2004 - Campus
2004 – Jai
2004 – Adi Thadi
2004 - Perazhagan
2004 – Shock
2004 – Arivumani
2004 – Arasatchi
2004 – Bose
2004 - Gomathi Nayagam
2005 – Sivakasi
2006 – Aathi
2006 – Aacharya
2006 – Vanjagan
2006 – Vathiyar
2006 – Manasukkule
2008 – Aegan
2010 – Guindy
2010 – Thairiyam
2010 - Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa as Joseph in the film Jessie
2011 – Kanchana
2011 – Konjam Sirippu Konjam Kobam
2012 – Murattu Kaalai
2013 – Chennaiyil Oru Naal
2013 – Masani
2014 - Nee Naan Nizhal
2014 - Appavi Katteri
2018 - Imaikkaa Nodigal
Telugu
1992 - Dharma Kshetram as Pandu
1993 - Aasayam as Reddappa
1993 - Ratha Sarathi
1994 - Police Brothers
1995 - Street Fighter as Sagar
1996 - Sampradhayam
1996 - Akka ? Bagunnava ?
1997 - Subhakankshalu as Balaramaiah
1997 - Pellichesukundam
2000 - Maa Annayya
2002 - Mounamelanoyi
2003 - Okariki Okaru
2004 - Sivaram
2004 - Chennakesava Reddy
2004 - Anandamanandamaye
2004 - Kaasi
2004 - Kushi Kushiga
2007 - Desamuduru as Narayan Patwari
2010 - Vareva
2010 - Ye Maaya Chesave as Joseph
2012 - Dhamarukam as Vishwanath
2012 - Sarocharu
2014 - Heart Attack as Madhusudhan
2015 - Soukhyam
2017 - Raju Gari Gadhi 2
2019 - Saaho
Kannada
1995 - Deergha Sumangali
1997 - Rough and Tough
Hindi
2019 - Saaho
Television series
See also
Kerala Peoples Party
References
External links
Devan at MSI
1952 births
Living people
Male actors from Thrissur
Indian actor-politicians
Malayali politicians
Male actors in Malayalam cinema
Indian male film actors
Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Kerala
Politicians from Thrissur
20th-century Indian male actors
21st-century Indian male actors
Male actors in Tamil cinema
Indian male television actors
Male actors in Malayalam television
Tamil male television actors
Male actors in Telugu cinema